Journalist drops worrying West Ham transfer claim as David Moyes targets high-profile quartet

West Ham United will face ‘a struggle’ to sign some of the high-profile players they have been linked with in recent months, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Hammers are enjoying another hugely successful season under the tutelage of manager David Moyes and could look to strengthen his first-team squad considerably in the summer.

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham had a club-record £60 million bid rejected for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez in the January transfer window.

But Portuguese outlet A Bola (as relayed by Sport Witness), have recently claimed that the capital club ‘have followed’ the 22-year-old ‘more insistently’ than his other potential suitors.

Another reported target is Leeds United winger Raphinha. The Mirror have named West Ham as one of several interested parties in the Brazil international, who appears destined for the Elland Road exit door.

The report states that Moyes’ charges saw a £55m offer turned down for the skilful attacker during the winter, but Barcelona now appear to be in the driving seat to secure his signature.

And West Ham also showed an eagerness to prise Raphinha’s teammate Kalvin Phillips away from Leeds as well.

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The Sun revealed that the defensive midfielder was also a failed January target, while The Times disclosed the east London outfit now face extensive competition from Aston Villa, who are prepared to meet his £60m price tag.

Meanwhile, The Evening Standard stated how West Ham have now entered the race to sign Lille defender Sven Botman – who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt – as they attempt to remain in the upper echelons of the Premier League for many years to come.

Despite The Irons’